1 ¶ Then Job answered and said,

2 T oday I will also speak with bitterness; my stroke is heavier than my groaning.

3 O h, that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat!

4 I would order judgment before him and fill my mouth with arguments.

5 I would know the words which he would answer me and understand what he would say unto me.

6 W ill he plead against me with his great power? No, but rather he would put it in me.

7 T here the righteous might dispute with him; and should I escape for ever from the one who condemns me.

8 ¶ Behold, I shall go to the east and not find him; and to the west, but I cannot perceive him;

9 i f he is working to the north, I shall not see him; to the south, he hides himself, that I shall not see him.

10 B ut he has known the way that I take; he has tried me, and I have come forth as gold.

11 M y feet have held to his steps, I have kept his way, and have not departed.

12 N either have I separated myself from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

13 ¶ But if he determines something, who can turn him? His soul desired it, and he did it.

14 T herefore, he will finish that which is necessary for me; and there are many such things in him.

15 T herefore, I shall fear before his face; I shall consider, and I shall fear him.

16 F or God has made my heart tender, and the Almighty has frightened me.

17 W hy was I not cut off before the darkness, neither has he covered my face with the darkness.